There's a video of it currently on TMZ, obviously due the language it's NSFW. I have no idea what the guy said to him, but wow....

"Kramer's" Racist Tirade -- Caught on Tape
Posted Nov 20th 2006 8:30AM by TMZ Staff
Filed under: Train Wrecks

WARNING: WHAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO SEE IS PROFANE AND RACIAL

Michael Richards exploded in anger as he performed at a famous L.A. comedy club last Friday, hurling racial epithets that left the crowd gasping, and TMZ has obtained exclusive video of the ugly incident.

Richards, who played the wacky Cosmo Kramer on the hit TV show "Seinfeld," appeared onstage at the Laugh Factory in West Hollywood. Kyle Doss, an African-American, told TMZ he and some friends were in the cheap seats and he was playfully heckling Richards when suddenly, the comedian lost it.

The camera started rolling just as Richards began his attack, screaming at one of the men, "Fifty years ago we'd have you upside down with a f***ing fork up your ass."

Richards continued, "You can talk, you can talk, you're brave now motherf**ker. Throw his ass out. He's a nigger! He's a nigger! He's a nigger! A nigger, look, there's a nigger!"

The crowd is visibly and audibly confused and upset. Richards responds by saying, "They're going to arrest me for calling a black man a nigger."

One of the men who was the object of Richard's tirade was outraged, shouting back "That's un-f***ing called for, ain't necessary."

After the three-minute tirade, it appears the majority of the audience members got up and left in disgust.

Attempts to reach Richards' reps were unsuccessful.

So, um, what's TMZ?

Watched this earlier. Surprised he didn't get a butt whoopin.

There's no shortage of idiots.

"Please welcome our newest member to the Mel Gibson club!"

I see an awesome SNL coming...

So, um, what's TMZ?

Hah, honestly I wasn't sure how SFW tmz .com was, since I never frequent it (was sent the link) so I just put the name of the site up there. It seems like it's some kind of AOL news site.

At first I thought he was joking but man did he lose it.

Just watched the video.

Wow.

If it's possible, I think it may come off worse in the video than it does in this article.

Just watched the video.

Wow.

If it's possible, I think it may come off worse in the video than it does in this article.

yeah he lost it. i love how in the article I read that the Laugh Factory put him out there the next night "without incident".

also one article had Seinfeld commenting which came off to me as jerry being a pretentious bore. just shut up seinfeld about it.

This could really hurt his post-Seinfeld acting career.

This could really hurt his post-Seinfeld acting career.

I was actually thinking the opposite ;)...

I can never seem to access tmz's video clips. I get some sort of conflict error, and it won't play, something about return portable media to it's location. I am using ie 7

I haven't watched the video yet, but I know he was a big Andy Kaufman fan. Any chance this could have been staged?

I haven't watched the video yet, but I know he was a big Andy Kaufman fan. Any chance this could have been staged?

From the untrained eye it didn't appear so.

From the untrained eye it didn't appear so.

At FIRST it seemed like maybe it was not so bad, but then he goes on and on...

I mean, I suppose it could be some crazy Andy Kaufmanesque stage.. but it's a damned stupid one if so...

Haha, good. Everybody who thought Michael Richards was acting crazy and or stupid on the show can now see that this man is insane. The fact that he didn't have his ass kicked outside the venue is amazing to me, because he certainly deserved it.

God I hated "Seinfeld."

At FIRST it seemed like maybe it was not so bad, but then he goes on and on...

I mean, I suppose it could be some crazy Andy Kaufmanesque stage.. but it's a damned stupid one if so...

seems like an odd thing to stage. would have made more sense if the guys charged the stage and beat him up or something.

although it's a little odd that this performance was being filmed...seems like they wouldn't allow that and it's only on this one aol site.

no idea. at face value he freaked out. otherwise if staged he's known as a dink now. maybe there is some kind of dink project being put together. doesn't seem like him though.

seems like an odd thing to stage. would have made more sense if the guys charged the stage and beat him up or something.

although it's a little odd that this performance was being filmed...seems like they wouldn't allow that and it's only on this one aol site.

no idea. at face value he freaked out. otherwise if staged he's known as a dink now. maybe there is some kind of dink project being put together. doesn't seem like him though.

The video seems very umm... "unprofessional"... like they probably didn't know he had it...

The video seems very umm... "unprofessional"... like they probably didn't know he had it...

maybe that's the genius of it

I haven't watched the video yet, but I know he was a big Andy Kaufman fan. Any chance this could have been staged?

Maybe, seems more controlled upon viewing than when I first heard. And Chris Rock does use the word in his act...so what exactly are the rules for that?

The video seems very umm... "unprofessional"... like they probably didn't know he had it...

Jerry must have snuck in a camera.

CNN News Story is on YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEcz9T3MuL4

And Chris Rock does use the word in his act...so what exactly are the rules for that?
Just from a personal standpoint, I was really hoping that this thread wouldn't head in this direction.

Just from a personal standpoint, I was really hoping that this thread wouldn't head in this direction.
No kidding. If Chris Rock talked about lynching hecklers I don't think it would go over too well either.

God I hated "Seinfeld."

I don't have many litmus tests, but...

As far as I know, Chris Rock has never said that he has enough money to get someone arrested either.

Just from a personal standpoint, I was really hoping that this thread wouldn't head in this direction.

I only ask cause Joe Piscapo was on Radio Factor with Schmerconnish (sic) and said 'you can talk about your own, but not someone else's..." Sounds fair to me.

... so what exactly are the rules for that?

I think this Paul Rodriguez quote pretty well sums up the rules:
"Once the word comes out of your mouth and you don't happen to be African-American, then you have a whole lot of explaining,"

http://apnews.myway.com//article/20061120/D8LH0G1O1.html

I thought it was fucking hilarious, how can you not see the humor here?

I only ask cause Joe Piscapo was on Radio Factor with Schmerconnish (sic) and said 'you can talk about your own, but not someone else's..." Sounds fair to me.
I think this might be a debatable issue if Michael Richards were using the word in his act. This was not his act.

I only ask cause Joe Piscapo was on Radio Factor with Schmerconnish (sic) and said 'you can talk about your own, but not someone else's..." Sounds fair to me.
Good to see Piscopo is your go-to-guy on interpersonal etiquette...

Good to see Piscopo is your go-to-guy on interpersonal etiquette...

Well, Piscopo is (allegedly) a comic, so it would stand to reason that he could have legitimate insight on the subject from a comedian's p.o.v.

In fairness, Richards spent most of his career working on NBC Must-See Thursday nights. These were probably the first black people he'd ever seen.

In fairness, Richards spent most of his career working on NBC Must-See Thursday nights. These were probably the first black people he'd ever seen.
Gold.

Good to see Piscopo is your go-to-guy on interpersonal etiquette...

Someone could do alot worse...but I think generally his comments are pretty much the way it is...ethnic jokes are done by those 'in house' otherwise they run the strong risk of appearing bigoted or racist.

I'll also add, other than the indefensible use of the 'n' word, Richard's comments were not really much different than those I have heard on one show in particular (since cancelled) called 'Tough Crowd' with Colin Quinn.

Someone could do alot worse...but I think generally his comments are pretty much the way it is...ethnic jokes are done by those 'in house' otherwise they run the strong risk of appearing bigoted or racist.
You haven't seen a lot of comedians then.

Rent Jesus is Magic by Sarah Silverman sometime... :D

Anyway - just saying there is a huge difference between what Michael Richards did and what comedians who are...you know...telling jokes are doing.

You haven't seen a lot of comedians then.

Rent Jesus is Magic by Sarah Silverman sometime... :D

Anyway - just saying there is a huge difference between what Michael Richards did and what comedians who are...you know...telling jokes are doing.

Right, like...Andy Kauffman. Not disagreeing with you, just making a point.

If I had the ambition, I would have a runoff poll on comedians like the one with war movies. And I would watch an entire episode of 'Friends' if either Adam Sandler, Jack Black or Will Ferrell made it into the final four.

You haven't seen a lot of comedians then.

Rent Jesus is Magic by Sarah Silverman sometime... :D

Anyway - just saying there is a huge difference between what Michael Richards did and what comedians who are...you know...telling jokes are doing.

I liked the Silverman flick, just thought it was a bit too short maybe.

Well you can give Michael Richards this much, he doesn't hide his feelings.

Quite a stand up guy.. What he's standing up for is the question though.

You haven't seen a lot of comedians then.

Rent Jesus is Magic by Sarah Silverman sometime... :D

Anyway - just saying there is a huge difference between what Michael Richards did and what comedians who are...you know...telling jokes are doing.
Lisa Lamponelli illustrates your point.

Someone could do alot worse...but I think generally his comments are pretty much the way it is...ethnic jokes are done by those 'in house' otherwise they run the strong risk of appearing bigoted or racist.
While this is an interesting (and way-too-often debated) point, I have yet to find the "joke" in this whole Michael Richards thing. I don't see how it's possible to compare this to another comedian's act. It seems more fair to compare it to a guy standing on a street corner and yelling at strangers.

Although I think using the n-word is in bad taste, people are way over the top in their sensitivity toward it; HOWEVER, the fact that he mentioned lynching was absolutely horrific. I really hope he was trying to be Kauffman-esque and doesn't truly hold that much hate in his heart.

Here it is on Youtube:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=qjE0E5lgm9Q

You guys were right, it's even worse than the article makes it sound.

This just in, KKK leaders react, calling "The Michael Richards Show," a "funny piece of progressive television that was clearly before its time."

Jackie Chiles will be crushed when he hears the news.

I like how the guys response is to call him a cracker-ass and a fucking white boy. Fire with fire.

Seinfeld is on Letterman tonight.. and Richards will be apologizing via satellite.

I like how the guys response is to call him a cracker-ass and a fucking white boy. Fire with fire.

Pumpy called me that once... but also added, "country hick" and something about "go plow a field".

Seems hella staged. But it also sounds as if he has hate in his heart, so who knows. Definately has way too much "ger" instead of "gah."

I was also waiting for him to say he was going to "unleash the fucking fury" too.

It sure came off as staged to me on the first viewing.

In fairness, Richards spent most of his career working on NBC Must-See Thursday nights. These were probably the first black people he'd ever seen.

Absolutely brilliant, ML :)

SI

meh - i really don't see what the big deal is.

i love how the crowd just walked out on him though

It sure came off as staged to me on the first viewing.

Not that there's anything wrong with that.

In fairness, Richards spent most of his career working on NBC Must-See Thursday nights. These were probably the first black people he'd ever seen.

This is one of the best posts ever.


Just watched the clip, and I don't think it was staged.

Although I think using the n-word is in bad taste, people are way over the top in their sensitivity toward it; HOWEVER, the fact that he mentioned lynching was absolutely horrific. I really hope he was trying to be Kauffman-esque and doesn't truly hold that much hate in his heart.


well, that and the fact that the crowd there is mostly young college kids who I doubt nowadays know who the hell Kauffman was.

Man..Richards should probably hire a bodyguard...because there are probably a few people around LA that wouldn't mind leaving Richards a little memento....right in his ribs.

I think Richards lost it...he was getting some laughs talking the hecklers down 'til he dropped the N-bomb. Then it almost seemed he was like "O sh*t"...but then, he didn't want to look like he was backing down and kept digging himself in deeper. I think when he realized there was no recovery from what he had done, he just walked off the stage.

Of course, the guy who's calling Richards an effin' cracker-ass white boy didn't win any sympathy points from me either. If he really was causing a distrubance by talking, management should have gone over to him and told him to shut up during the performance or leave.

Although I think using the n-word is in bad taste, people are way over the top in their sensitivity toward it; HOWEVER, the fact that he mentioned lynching was absolutely horrific. I really hope he was trying to be Kauffman-esque and doesn't truly hold that much hate in his heart.

Um schmidty that has to be the most ignorant statement I have ever heard. If the history of that word doesnt explain why people are so sensitive towards it for you, I dont know what will.

I haven't watched Letterman in years, but I'm watching it now to see the apology.

This almost has to be a 100% work. Friday was november 17, which was I believe was the anniversary of one of Kaufman's more famous appearances on Letterman. May have just been a coincidence though.

Wow... they actually have Richards on from satellite... and its the day before Seinfeld's season 7 comes out... that's interesting timing. But he seems sincere.

Talk about uncomfortable...

Yeah, but very newsworthy at any rate.

Jerry is a good friend to do that for him.

I think we can forget the thoughts of it being an act.

Talk about uncomfortable...

Very, really seemed sincere.

I think we can forget the thoughts of it being an act.

Yep, it seemed that he was on the verge of saying that he was a racist (has those demons), but didn't want to say the words and wanted some help and personal work.

That was strange, especially when the crowd started laughing.

I think it was more nervous laughter.

I was really hoping jerry would say:

"...good luck with all that."

That was strange, especially when the crowd started laughing.

I think they probably expected a few quips by Dave, at least. Very serene exchange, though.

Seinfeld is on Letterman tonight.. and Richards will be apologizing via satellite.

The apology:

http://vidclick.blogspot.com/2006/11/seinfeld-star-apologizes-for-outburst.html

I watched it and it did look staged at first and then it seemed like he lost his mind. That said, I don't think there is an excuse for it. The guy who argued with him didn't need to open his freakin' mouth, though. Though, interacting with the person on stage isn't really new, it just seems weird that he'd go that route. And yet, not really surprising at all.

Not that he needs "sympathy" points or anything...the whole outburst was in poor taste and no apology changes that.

Um schmidty that has to be the most ignorant statement I have ever heard.

Apparently you haven't heard a lot of things in this world.

I am a lot of things, but I am certainly not ignorant in regard to this word. Granted, I am not african-american like you, but I guarantee that I know as much or more than you do regarding the history of the word.

The word is negative and mean, and people that have actually had it used against them in a violent, hateful manner have every right to be seriously offended, as do their families and friends (and their community). I do not condone the use of the word (or any other racial epitaph), nor have I EVER uttered one or wrote one. Any hateful word grouping people by race, religion or whatever is wrong, and reprehensible. I believe in God, and I believe that He created every person equally and in His image.

I have a lot more to say on the subject, especially regarding hypocrisy, and racial slurs hurled at me at various times, especially during my basketball sessions (mostly in high school and college), but it's obvious that a civil and even-headed discourse isn't acceptabe in this culture, at this time.

TheOhioStateUniversity, I don't think it was fair for you to call me ignorant, but if you are truly offended because I have an actual objective opinion on this subject, I apologize. I realize that that wasn't a strong apology, but I guess I just don't think I have much to apologize for, except for the fact that I somehow upset you.

I don't think it's been said but -- drugs.

Jerry is a good friend to do that for him.

I think we can forget the thoughts of it being an act.

Well I assume Jerry did it as damage control, with the new DVD set coming out today.

A) On another board I read I expected there to be people defending Richards/downplaying this. I never expected it here, that is scary.

B) Schmidty - I mean this with the utmost respect... your comment was ignorant. Do you maybe have some points that there are other words that people use that shouldn't be used either? Yes. Do you maybe have a point that there are people that use the N* word and it is acceptable and it shouldn't be? Yes. However, to try and say that people overreact at it being used - particular in a manner like it was here? That is ignorant imo. This was the worst possible way it could be used. It was used directly as a slander, screaming it in anger, while combining it with discussings of lynchings and saying that "that's what you get when you heckle a white man" or whatever he said.

Didn't Jerry reverse-heckle Kremer's girlfriend at work and cause her to lose her pinky toe? You would have thought that Kremer would have learned about hecklers and how to deal with them.

I think this Paul Rodriguez quote pretty well sums up the rules:
"Once the word comes out of your mouth and you don't happen to be African-American, then you have a whole lot of explaining,"


What I found funny is that when Rodriguez said that he paused before saying African-American, and for a split second I thought he was going to accidently drop the N-word too.

Wow. I am amazed... the good ole boys are out in full force.

Wow. I am amazed... the good ole boys are out in full force.


Thanks a lot. Now, I have the Dukes of Hazzard Theme running in my head.





Seriously. I agree with Wade in that I'm surprised (and dismayed) that anyone here is defending Richards/downplaying his comments.

Wow. I am amazed... the good ole boys are out in full force.

Look, High-and-Mighty shows up!

Seinfeld is on Letterman tonight.. and Richards will be apologizing via satellite.

Is that really necessary. I mean come on.

First of all what is he apologizing for...being racist?

Second is the world really hanging on every word of seinfeld and richards? Yes Seinfeld was a great show but I could give a rats ass if Richards hates black people or not.

Is that really necessary. I mean come on.

First of all what is he apologizing for...being racist?

Second is the world really hanging on every word of seinfeld and richards? Yes Seinfeld was a great show but I could give a rats ass if Richards hates black people or not.

Then don't watch. But just because you don't care, and that is fine, doesn't mean others dont care. Maybe people want an explanation or to find out what is going on in his head. And yes I think a public apology is necessary at this point.

Is that really necessary. I mean come on.
Well, sort of.

First of all what is he apologizing for...being racist?
Well, sort of.

Second is the world really hanging on every word of seinfeld and richards? Yes Seinfeld was a great show but I could give a rats ass if Richards hates black people or not.
No, of course the world isn't really hanging on every word of theirs. As far as Jerry Seinfeld is concerned, I think he's trying to avoid guilt by association. That was pretty much his show (along with being Larry David's), and unless he says something, it looks like he doesn't care that he had an apparent racist on his show. On the other side of that, though, Michael Richards is his friend, and he wanted to help his friend by giving up some of his own time for an apology. Now, whether that apology really means anything, I don't know, but Seinfeld did what he could.

I'm not going to pretend like there isn't money involved here. Obviously, Seinfeld wants the DVDs to sell, and he also wants to protect his own image so he doesn't lose work. He seems like a good guy, and I think he did as well as he could with this, in protecting his image and helping his friend.

As far as Michael Richards is concerned, I don't really care if he's a racist either. It's not like I had plans to invite the guy over to my house or anything. This whole incident is going to have some effect on his career, though, and I guess he's trying to keep the damage to a minimum. If he goes down in flames, well, he did it to himself. If he doesn't go down in flames, well, being a racist isn't a crime, so more power to him, I guess.

Then don't watch. But just because you don't care, and that is fine, doesn't mean others dont care. Maybe people want an explanation or to find out what is going on in his head. And yes I think a public apology is necessary at this point.

What's going on in his head? What do you think? In spite of the apology do you really think he's done a complete 180 in a matter of a couple days?

"I'm sorry...I'll never get loaded and call someone the n word out loud ever again"

All better now. And Mel Gibson really does like Jewish people. It was the booze talking.

I guess they have to do damage control but I'm amazed anyone would buy it.

He never said he was drunk. Perhaps if you actually paid attention you'd have known that :p.

He never said he was drunk. Perhaps if you actually paid attention you'd have known that :p.

He looked loaded and sounded loaded to me. Maybe he wasn't. No idea but is largely irrelevant.

Hopefully his career evaporates and he will learn a lesson.

Have you seen many people loaded in your life? ;)

Have you seen many people loaded in your life? ;)


yes but most of the time they look normal because I'm loaded as well

I can see where rkmsuf is coming from. To me, Michael Richards' apology can only go so far. He can apologize for saying those things, but he said what he felt. I only heard part of the apology, and if he's really trying to get some kind of help, that's good for him. However, if someone like Jerry Seinfeld (who probably has/had a close friendship with Richards) was surprised by Richards' outburst, that pretty much just tells me that Richards is just sorry that he exposed his feelings and failed to hide them any longer. He's not sorry for having those feelings.

I'm sure that a lot of people heard Michael Richards apologize and are willing to give him a pass. They might say that it was a moment of anger and he didn't really mean it. To me, that's shortsighted thinking. If he didn't mean those things, they never, ever, ever would have even come to his mind.

Anyway, I guess he kinda has to apologize if he wants to appear to have any kind of heart, but the apology is going to be somewhat hollow, no matter how sincere he thinks it is.

Look, High-and-Mighty shows up!

One if its proudest members...

I have to say, I'm impressed with the way Seinfeld handled this. He still has a career. Richards barely did, even before this. It would have been incredibly easy to let him hang, but he did what he could to help a friend even though he's risking some of his own credibility to do it.

I think Seinfeld was honestly just trying to help out a friend, regardless of whatever effect it might have on his career or DVD sales. Is there anyone amongst us who doesn't have a friend or relative that they love despite some sort of major personal flaw?

By the way, did anyone else expect this thread to be about Erik Kramer after seeing the thread title for the first time?

Oh, it was just me?

Wow. I am amazed... the good ole boys are out in full force.
You shouldn't judge so harshly, since you and he have so much in common.

Okay, not really. He just hates one race...you hate an entire gender...

I'm sure that a lot of people heard Michael Richards apologize and are willing to give him a pass. They might say that it was a moment of anger and he didn't really mean it. To me, that's shortsighted thinking. If he didn't mean those things, they never, ever, ever would have even come to his mind.


I'm not sure I agree with this (in a general sense, not specifically to this event). If people are hurt enough, or angry enough, they will seek out anything to use in an attack. They may not believe it, but it could be good ammunition. I think you have to look at these things on a case by case basis and try to determine what is really going on inside.

You shouldn't judge so harshly, since you and he have so much in common.

Okay, not really. He just hates one race...you hate an entire gender...


You think I hate women correct? Something about my mom abusing me or some shit like that. Sorry Subby I don't not hate women so don't project your homosexual feelings on me.

You think I hate women correct? Something about my mom abusing me or some shit like that. Sorry Subby I don't not hate women so don't project your homosexual feelings on me.
Nothing to do with your mom - just how all your posts about women involve treating them like RealDolls.

I guess I can add gays to your hate list too, Kramer Jr...

I'm not sure I agree with this (in a general sense, not specifically to this event). If people are hurt enough, or angry enough, they will seek out anything to use in an attack. They may not believe it, but it could be good ammunition. I think you have to look at these things on a case by case basis and try to determine what is really going on inside.
I see what you mean, but I have a hard time agreeing with it. If a word or an idea (lynching people, for instance) is offensive enough to a person, I can't see how it would even occur to that person to bring it up. I suppose that someone could get angry enough that they'd consider offending themselves just to hurt somebody else, but I have a hard time believing that there's not at least a drop of sincerity in what they're saying. In my experience, I've found that people are more likely to say what they really think when they're angry. That obviously doesn't apply to everybody, but it's how things generally appear to me.

Anyway, I see your point, and it's certainly something for me to think about.

I see what you mean, but I have a hard time agreeing with it. If a word or an idea (lynching people, for instance) is offensive enough to a person, I can't see how it would even occur to that person to bring it up. I suppose that someone could get angry enough that they'd consider offending themselves just to hurt somebody else, but I have a hard time believing that there's not at least a drop of sincerity in what they're saying. In my experience, I've found that people are more likely to say what they really think when they're angry. That obviously doesn't apply to everybody, but it's how things generally appear to me.

Anyway, I see your point, and it's certainly something for me to think about.

I think it depends on how out of control the angry person is. If a person is really out of control (drugs/alcohol could be involved), I agree that the person would be more likely to say the things they really feel but are hiding.

If the angry person is still in control and really wants to lash out at the other person, saying things that the other person finds offensive would be a good way to do that.

I haven't seen the Richard's events, so I can't say whether he was being honest or just going for painful shots. I just generally think the apology is worth listening to before completely condemning the guy.

Basically, Richards' only defense is "I'm just a mean SOB, not really a racist." Either way, he's a bastard. Maybe he has the character to actually change because of this, but that remains to be seen, if anyone cares to check up on it.

I think it depends on how out of control the angry person is. If a person is really out of control (drugs/alcohol could be involved), I agree that the person would be more likely to say the things they really feel but are hiding.

If the angry person is still in control and really wants to lash out at the other person, saying things that the other person finds offensive would be a good way to do that.

I haven't seen the Richard's events, so I can't say whether he was being honest or just going for painful shots. I just generally think the apology is worth listening to before completely condemning the guy.
I know you weren't talking about the Michael Richards event specifically, so I must concede that, in some cases, I can agree with you on this. Hell, when I was a kid, I'd argue with my big sister and say mean things to her just to set her off. Looking back on it, I didn't really mean those things, but I just wanted to upset her. Yeah, I see what you mean.

About Michael Richards, though, I can't imagine even stringing the words "fifty years ago we'd have you upside-down with a fucking fork up your ass" together, though. To me, that comment just reeks of something that's been sitting in his mind for ages, and it finally slipped out in public. In this specific case, I still feel like he's mostly sorry that he got caught. Maybe getting caught will have some positive effect on him in the aftermath, but I don't think that this was just one of those "let me offend the heckler" things.

About Michael Richards, though, I can't imagine even stringing the words "fifty years ago we'd have you upside-down with a fucking fork up your ass" together, though. To me, that comment just reeks of something that's been sitting in his mind for ages, and it finally slipped out in public. In this specific case, I still feel like he's mostly sorry that he got caught. Maybe getting caught will have some positive effect on him in the aftermath, but I don't think that this was just one of those "let me offend the heckler" things.

I was going to argue with you by saying that a longer statement would seem more deliberate due to the complexity of putting the longer thought together in a coherent way, and that a bad word or two would be easier to have slip out in the heat of the moment. Thinking about it a bit more though, his thought wasn't terribly coherent. It wasn't something that seems designed to bring out a certain reaction in someone, it sounds like a lot of his natural emotion scrambling the message.

Nothing to do with your mom - just how all your posts about women involve treating them like RealDolls.

I guess I can add gays to your hate list too, Kramer Jr...


Wow you can get all that based off random statements. Cool is that like a jedi mind trick or something? Wait so I hate the Sith now?

Um schmidty that has to be the most ignorant statement I have ever heard. If the history of that word doesnt explain why people are so sensitive towards it for you, I dont know what will.

To me, the word has lost much of its swagger. Now obviously in this situation like ths, the guy lost it. He was using it as a term of hate. But to say that people are insensitive to the word is wrong. I heard the word everyday on my campus when I was in school.

I guess what I am trying to get as is, how can black people be so sensitive to the word and yet it still be used in everyday conversation?

I know you weren't talking about the Michael Richards event specifically, so I must concede that, in some cases, I can agree with you on this. Hell, when I was a kid, I'd argue with my big sister and say mean things to her just to set her off. Looking back on it, I didn't really mean those things, but I just wanted to upset her. Yeah, I see what you mean.

About Michael Richards, though, I can't imagine even stringing the words "fifty years ago we'd have you upside-down with a fucking fork up your ass" together, though. To me, that comment just reeks of something that's been sitting in his mind for ages, and it finally slipped out in public. In this specific case, I still feel like he's mostly sorry that he got caught. Maybe getting caught will have some positive effect on him in the aftermath, but I don't think that this was just one of those "let me offend the heckler" things.

Here is my heartfelt response to this: Who the hell knows what his "true" feelings are and how sorry he is for them getting out?

It sickened me and I hope his career goes up in smoke because of it. (what was left of it anyway) He's certainly not a guy I'd want to invite for a drink either. I think there are underlying truths and beliefs to what he said.

But, I don't know that. Richards is going to have to prove to his family and friends that he's truly sorry. Not me or you. All we can do is choose not to support him (which is a promise I can make). Beyond that, I'm not going to even try to figure out his thought process here. If he really wants help, I hope he gets it. If he really has those beliefs, I hope he never shares them agian and nobody give him a stage to express those beliefs. But I'll never be close enough to Richards to know which side of that coin is true. As in another thread here on FOFC, all I can go off of is my perceptions and he essentially ended his existence with that.

Were this my best friend, I'd really have a tough thing to decide here.

ML - Best. Post. Ever.

Troy, I agree with you. I don't mean to come off as saying that I know what the man meant. I don't. I can only go off of perceptions, just like you. So we're on the same page there.

As for the sincerity of his apology, I don't know that either. Ultimately, it doesn't really matter to me what the motivation for his apology is, and although I feel that the nature of the events make his apology somewhat hollow, that's just my opinion about it. The bottom line, however, is that my opinion has no effect on his life or anyone else's. Just as conversation, I'm just giving my point of view about the whole thing.

http://www.ctgilles.net/images/pictars/kramer.jpg

Wow you can get all that based off random statements. Cool is that like a jedi mind trick or something? Wait so I hate the Sith now?

Are you the only one who doesn't see the irony in this?

B) Schmidty - I mean this with the utmost respect... your comment was ignorant. Do you maybe have some points that there are other words that people use that shouldn't be used either? Yes. Do you maybe have a point that there are people that use the N* word and it is acceptable and it shouldn't be? Yes. However, to try and say that people overreact at it being used - particular in a manner like it was here? That is ignorant imo. This was the worst possible way it could be used. It was used directly as a slander, screaming it in anger, while combining it with discussings of lynchings and saying that "that's what you get when you heckle a white man" or whatever he said.

Seriously. I agree with Wade in that I'm surprised (and dismayed) that anyone here is defending Richards/downplaying his comments.


Here is my original post:

Although I think using the n-word is in bad taste, people are way over the top in their sensitivity toward it; HOWEVER, the fact that he mentioned lynching was absolutely horrific. I really hope he was trying to be Kauffman-esque and doesn't truly hold that much hate in his heart.

Nowhere in that post did I say ANYTHING about wanting defend Richards. He is either a true racist, or a comedian with really bad taste in jokes. This was a case where people didn't overreact, as he was obviously using the terms in an extremely hateful way.

My only point was that in some situations people go crazy about the word, such as having Tom Sawyer taken out of schools because it contains the word. I've heard a person called "cultural murderer" because he was white and used the term "What's up n-gga!" He was joking with a friend, and a teacher overheard him. He was suspended and was labeled as a racist. Should he have used the term? No, it was dumb of him, but I knew him, and he certainly wasn't a racist.

Again, if you actually read what I wrote, I never, ever said that what Richards said was anything but wrong, and I never "defended" him as Eaglefan27 said. Furthermore, I never condoned the use of the word.

Anyway, I wish I just wouldn't said anything. Sorry to get this thread sidetracked.

Here's the apology on you tube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dufHYw-W6j4

I would say, on the whole, that Richards has a bigger problem than Gibson for this reason: Gibson's rant was drunken and his apology was sober, Richard's rant appeared to be sober and his apology was drunken (or on drugs)... completely rambling and incoherent (Katrina and the Iraqi War are to blame?)

(Katrina and the Iraqi War are to blame?)

what? that's not what he said.

And he looked more distressed and upset at himself than drunk or on drugs.

I just watched the apology for the first time, and I actually feel bad for Michael Richards. He does seem to recognize that he has a problem, and I think I understand what he means when he says "I'm not a racist." He said racist things, but I don't have any reason to believe that he treats people in a prejudiced way in his everyday life. Still, he seems to acknowledge that his behavior on that stage did spring from somewhere within him, and he needs to address that.

To me, the worst thing he could have done during that apology would be to say "It was just an accident," and he didn't say that. He seemed genuinely shocked that he was capable of behaving the way he did. I think it's terrible that he had that level of hate and rage within him, but if he truly believes that he was wrong and needs help to overcome that, good for him. Perhaps it took this huge step backward in order for him to make several steps forward.

Still not as crazy as Crazy Joe Davola.

To me, the word has lost much of its swagger. Now obviously in this situation like ths, the guy lost it. He was using it as a term of hate. But to say that people are insensitive to the word is wrong. I heard the word everyday on my campus when I was in school.

I guess what I am trying to get as is, how can black people be so sensitive to the word and yet it still be used in everyday conversation?

I think the generalization is that it's used in everyday conversation. That said, if a word is integrated into slang -- even a pejorative word like that -- then people are going to use it.

I think the idea that it's a "term of endearment" is a bit over the top, it's no more a term of endearment than "dude" or "man" is. I think people use it and that's their business.

The difference comes down to intent. It really does. It almost becomes two words. Call it a double standard, unfair, wrong or even "reverse" racism (which as a sidenote, I hate that term. What, is discrimination only okay when it comes from the dominant group?) but the fact is, it IS different depending on who it comes from and I can't see how allowing white folks to say that, really makes the world a better place, nor do I think black folks en masse ought to line up and stop.

Ultimately, what he did was in poor taste and I felt like he was obviously sincere. But not sincere in regards to who he offended, as much as he was probably sincere that he was sorry he lost his mind and torpedoed his career. So, I don't really care.

I do, however, prefer people say what they really think because it's a heck of a lot easier to deal with these sorts of things in the open, than having people sit at home, stew over what are probably lots of false ideas and harbor all of these ideas until they go nuts.

And that's for all folks. But we're getting further and further away from that and it doesn't seem that it's the right extreme to be on, either.

21st Century Racism

Talk and show everyone your a racist and then if enough people are upset about it just say your sorry and your not a racist. Works everytime.

My take is - the guy quite possibly could be racist but I could also see how he isn't. This isn't really as comparable to Mel Gibson as many people make it, some people (actually alot of people) will sink really low when they are offended or upset.

If you watch it, you can see he was trying to 'get back' at the guy and the worse thing he could think of doing was calling him names. How much he meant it, and whether he would do it again is debatable but you can't really deny that the guy was visibly and vocally upset and shaken.

It could make him a racist since the worse thing he could think of doing was calling him those names, but at the same time people have done similiar things that doesn't necessarily portray how they really feel but it does accurately portray how they handle themselves in anger.

21st Century Racism

Talk and show everyone your a racist and then if enough people are upset about it just say your sorry and your not a racist. Works everytime.

Commie.










:p

It could make him a racist since the worse thing he could think of doing was calling him those names

I think this is part of it. He was so angry, that he wanted to try to lash out at the guy in the worst way he could. Just happened that the guy was black - and these are the most hurtful words that came to his mind. If this was a woman, or a hispanic, or someone who was mentally or physically challenged, or somone who was openly homosexual, or someone who was Jewish, or Arab, etc., I'm guessing that he lashes out in the same manner, but uses a different set of disparaging words. He knew what was harmful (which most of us do), and he used it as ammo. I can't say if deep down he's really a racist. But he sure does have anger management issues.

Commie.










:p

In response to this post, I was going to say, "he shoots, he scores!" but then I thought I'd say, "Boom, goes the dynamite!" Then I thought that sounded stupid so I decided not to say anything at all. Is it too late?

I'm guessing that he lashes out in the same manner, but uses a different set of disparaging words. He knew what was harmful (which most of us do), and he used it as ammo.

I'll be doggoned. I think somebody might have actually just made sense on this subject.

You actually may not be the first to do so, but I haven't seen anybody so far who I thought summed up what I consider to be the most likely scenario better.

I'm guessing that he fired in the same manner, but used a different weapon. He knew bullets were harmful (which most of us do), and he used them as ammo.

some funny stuff for you unfunny people

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qHpJ5uxjEg&mode=related&search=

as long as there are insecure weak minded men around racism will be a potential hobby

Now we know why he was always screwing Jackie Chiles over.

And to the people who are claiming this was damage control because there's a DVD release today...come on. It is SEASON 7 of the most successful TV series in history, with some of the most loyal fans in TV history. Richards could've shot 15 people in that club that night, and sales wouldn't have been affected significantly (maybe even improved).

By the way...what's with the people who were laughing during the apology? Did they think it was a joke apology? Or he was on something?

And (serious question) is Afro-American considered an appropriate term these days?

By the way...what's with the people who were laughing during the apology? Did they think it was a joke apology? Or he was on something?

And (serious question) is Afro-American considered an appropriate term these days?

I thought the Afro-American bit was odd...

But I think everyone was laughing because nobody is use to seeing Michael Richards being serious, so I think they were thinking it was going to be some kind of gag or joke especially since it was on Letterman.

By the way...what's with the people who were laughing during the apology? Did they think it was a joke apology? Or he was on something?

And (serious question) is Afro-American considered an appropriate term these days?


I actually prefer Black. I don't know when Afro American became more popular, but I more identify with Black than Afro or African-American.

I refuse to use the term "african american".

To me you're American, or not.

I actually prefer Black. I don't know when Afro American became more popular, but I more identify with Black than Afro or African-American.

Well, my perception is that "Afro" has more of a negative connotation. Maybe it's because, in my head, I can hear some Confederate flag-waving redneck say it with the twang. I really didn't think it was popularly used (rightly or wrongly).

I never understood why "Black" was considered bad or improper. Everyone openly refers to people of my kind as white; caucasion is a pain in the ass to say.

Afro-American was popular in the 1970s, as I recall.

By the way...what's with the people who were laughing during the apology? Did they think it was a joke apology? Or he was on something?



I think the moment was so uncomfortable, they were all looking for something to make light of.

Afro-American was popular in the 1970s, as I recall.

Damn 1983 birth! :)

the thing with stand-up comedy is that the notion it's an "anything goes", fly by the seat of your pants environment is just folly. a lot of the act is so preplanned, and a lot of what the comedian says which seems off-the-cuff is actually well rehearsed. wise-ass hecklers who try to be part of the show really throw a comedian off their game. there just aren't many stand up comedians who can be truly funny having a curveball thrown at them. so what i'm saying here is Richards (extremely) overreacted to a heckler who must've messed up his flow. there's a difference between being naturally funny, an giving the appearance of being funny. you can tell the difference in times like these. naturally funny people can take the ball and run with it, people who have very rigid & scripted acts aren't able to. while the heckler didn't deserve to have those racial slurs directed towards him, Richards probably isn't that great of a performer that he can deal with random events in his act and blew his top. i'm not passing judgement on this issue here, i have no opinion on what Richards did.

Afro-American was popular in the 1970s, as I recall.


I know the word was used, but I don't remember it being more used than the word Black. Of course I lived the first 9 years of my life in teh 70's.

the thing with stand-up comedy is that the notion it's an "anything goes", fly by the seat of your pants environment is just folly. a lot of the act is so preplanned, and a lot of what the comedian says which seems off-the-cuff is actually well rehearsed. wise-ass hecklers who try to be part of the show really throw a comedian off their game. there just aren't many stand up comedians who can be truly funny having a curveball thrown at them. so what i'm saying here is Richards (extremely) overreacted to a heckler who must've messed up his flow. there's a difference between being naturally funny, an giving the appearance of being funny. you can tell the difference in times like these. naturally funny people can take the ball and run with it, people who have very rigid & scripted acts aren't able to. while the heckler didn't deserve to have those racial slurs directed towards him, Richards probably isn't that great of a performer that he can deal with random events in his act and blew his top. i'm not passing judgement on this issue here, i have no opinion on what Richards did.

I agree with your basic point, but what really made Kramer (I mean seriously, can't we just call him that...it's much easier) look bad is the rage and anger that came with the n-bombs. He didn't uncomfortably miss with a joke. He unleased the fucking fury.

I know the word was used, but I don't remember it being more used than the word Black. Of course I lived the first 9 years of my life in teh 70's.

I guess it depends on the context. Black then, as now supposedly, is a more casual term. Something-American would be used more in formal speech or journalism. Do you think one is more formal than the other?

I guess it depends on the context. Black then, as now supposedly, is a more casual term. Something-American would be used more in formal speech or journalism. Do you think one is more formal than the other?

Hmmm....never thought of it as a more formal word. I hear it used more often because I think people think the word is more politically correct.

If it was formal, why don't we say Italian-American, Samoan-American, Filipino-American, Guamanian-American, etc. to describe other races. Don't get me wrong, I don't find any offense being called African- or Afro-American. They are where my roots had started but now I have a broken link with Africa. I can't dig back in my family tree to look at some my early ancestors that most people can. That is why I prefer Black. In my mind, it represents me more as American than the other.

But you still bring up a point I never thought about before.

Hmmm....never thought of it as a more formal word. I hear it used more often because I think people think the word is more politically correct.

If it was formal, why don't we say Italian-American, Samoan-American, Filipino-American, Guamanian-American, etc. to describe other races.

It is my impression that such has become standard practice in journalism.

Don't get me wrong, I don't find any offense being called African- or Afro-American. They are where my roots had started but now I have a broken link with Africa. I can't dig back in my family tree to look at some my early ancestors that most people can. That is why I prefer Black. In my mind, it represents me more as American than the other.



I think it's just the opposite impression - it has become a term that they want you to say. I also think many (of all races) do not like it being brought up all of the time (esp. when one ask a stupid question like "how long have you been an african-american QB?"). As your impression that it doesn't make much sense to bring up Welsh-American, having ancestors from Africa (as long as it's not Egypt, Morocco, Afrikaaner, etc.) doesn't neccesarily imply anything more or less important.

FWIW, Baltimore has a newspaper still named The Afro-American (founded in 1892).

JiMG - thanks.

I know the word was used, but I don't remember it being more used than the word Black. Of course I lived the first 9 years of my life in teh 70's.

Youngster. :)

When I first heard about this story, my gut reaction was that somebody took something out of context or blew it up way out of proportion. Happens all the time in this PC world of ours.

However, upon viewing the video.....wow.

Is Michael Richards a racist? Probably. At the least there is something from his past that he needs to deal with. If he had used the n-word once or twice to get back at the heckler, I would have chalked it up to stupidity, drunkeness or something else rather forgetable. As someone else mentioned, stringing the words "fifty years ago we'd have you upside-down with a fucking fork up your ass" is not over the top comedy that you improv. In my opinion it has to come from something much deeper.

Now, will I turn the channel when "Kramer" shows up on a Seinfeld rerun. No. I'm just kind of disappointed with the guy and I hope he confronts and beats whatever demons that are haunting him.


And I'm with Antmeister. I am Black, not Afro-American (haven't had an Afro since '78 :) ), not African-American (my family hasn't been in Africa since the 1840's as far as I know)....Black.

Hell, I love to confuse people and tell them that I am an Irish-American. My great-grandfather lived in Ireland for about thirty years before he came back to the states so technically it's correct.

my family hasn't been in Africa since the 1840's as far as I know

Probably before that since we outlawed the slave trade (importation from Africa) by about 1810.

Not all of my ancestors were slaves though Bucc. The portion of family that I am referring to came to America from Africa via France.

Not all of my ancestors were slaves though Bucc. The portion of family that I am referring to came to America from Africa via France.

Understood, my mistake. You cited a well-documented antebellum decade.

By the way...what's with the people who were laughing during the apology? Did they think it was a joke apology? Or he was on something?

And (serious question) is Afro-American considered an appropriate term these days?


You have to remember the show is taped early in the day (I think around 4:00-4:30 in the afternoon.) I think that part of the audience had no idea what he had done and thought that it was a comedy bit.

Understood, my mistake. You cited a well-documented antebellum decade.

No prob Bucc.

Youngster. :)

When I first heard about this story, my gut reaction was that somebody took something out of context or blew it up way out of proportion. Happens all the time in this PC world of ours.

However, upon viewing the video.....wow.

Is Michael Richards a racist? Probably. At the least there is something from his past that he needs to deal with. If he had used the n-word once or twice to get back at the heckler, I would have chalked it up to stupidity, drunkeness or something else rather forgetable. As someone else mentioned, stringing the words "fifty years ago we'd have you upside-down with a fucking fork up your ass" is not over the top comedy that you improv. In my opinion it has to come from something much deeper.

Now, will I turn the channel when "Kramer" shows up on a Seinfeld rerun. No. I'm just kind of disappointed with the guy and I hope he confronts and beats whatever demons that are haunting him.


And I'm with Antmeister. I am Black, not Afro-American (haven't had an Afro since '78 :) ), not African-American (my family hasn't been in Africa since the 1840's as far as I know)....Black.

Hell, I love to confuse people and tell them that I am an Irish-American. My great-grandfather lived in Ireland for about thirty years before he came back to the states so technically it's correct.

Wow, A SplitPersonality sighting. Haven't seen you post for a while. At least not in the threads I look at. And yet I found another Black guy who watches Seinfeld. :D

But, yeah, I agree, I am disappointed in what transpired, but at least I would give him credit for not having a scripted apology. It made it seem more sincere and he just needs to get help for his family and friends' sake. Especially the family who will have this over this head for no fault of their own.

get help for what?

racism isn't a disease, it's an opinion. he's allowed to have his. unfortunately he's a "celebrity" so he's not allowed to express his opinion. but i'm not seeing what the need is for "help". he's not sick. just picked a wrong time to let a certain side of him reveal itself.

It is my impression that such has become standard practice in journalism.

I think it's just the opposite impression - it has become a term that they want you to say. I also think many (of all races) do not like it being brought up all of the time (esp. when one ask a stupid question like "how long have you been an african-american QB?"). As your impression that it doesn't make much sense to bring up Welsh-American, having ancestors from Africa (as long as it's not Egypt, Morocco, Afrikaaner, etc.) doesn't neccesarily imply anything more or less important.

You bring up some good points, but I guess I don't think it is necessary to be something-American. I am American and when one want to describe me they could say I am Black. Hyphenated named always seem to give an impression that you are not fully American, just a hybrid of two cultures or continents.

Still not as crazy as Crazy Joe Davola.
Is that cherry Binaca I smell?

get help for what?

racism isn't a disease, it's an opinion. he's allowed to have his. unfortunately he's a "celebrity" so he's not allowed to express his opinion. but i'm not seeing what the need is for "help". he's not sick. just picked a wrong time to let a certain side of him reveal itself.


Of course you can get help. It is also called getting better control of your anger issues,

Wow, A SplitPersonality sighting. Haven't seen you post for a while. At least not in the threads I look at. And yet I found another Black guy who watches Seinfeld. :D

But, yeah, I agree, I am disappointed in what transpired, but at least I would give him credit for not having a scripted apology. It made it seem more sincere and he just needs to get help for his family and friends' sake. Especially the family who will have this over this head for no fault of their own.

Hehe. I've been very busy the last year or so with a new job. I've been reduced to lurking lately.

You and I have way too many similarities. Black, database guys that play sports sims. Now we can add Seinfeld to the list. :)

Of course you can get help. It is also called getting better control of your anger issues,

i didn't see anyone get physically hurt.

what, you never had out of character outbursts? you don't lose your top and regret it later?

here, here's a rock - cast the first stone.

I'm guessing that he fired in the same manner, but used a different weapon. He knew bullets were harmful (which most of us do), and he used them as ammo.

If you want to substitute words to make that analogy, then what we're discussing in this thread is the difference between manslaughter and murder. The end result is the same, the background is up for debate.

What I said earlier - I'm guessing that he blows his top in cases where the guy isn't black. We'll never know for sure. But if he had a lower tolerance solely because this guy happened to be black, then that's racism.

i didn't see anyone get physically hurt.

what, you never had out of character outbursts? you don't lose your top and regret it later?

here, here's a rock - cast the first stone.

Sorry, I don't think this theory holds. He has been a comedian for a long.....time. You can't tell me this is the first time he has been heckled before and I bet that he dealt with those incidents in a completely different manner.

So there is something going on in his life at this time that got him to go into that rage. I didn't mean to infer that he had anger issues all his life.

You see a number of actors fall out of the spotlight and for whatever reason can't deal with the fact that they may never get back. Was this the case for him? I don't know. Are there things going on in his life and this heckling just became the last straw? Who knows. But what I am saying is that he has to deal with whatever issue is bothering him now.

I really can't see how saying that I hope someone gets help is casting a stone, but then again I don't live in the mind of HellAtlantic.

i didn't see anyone get physically hurt.

what, you never had out of character outbursts? you don't lose your top and regret it later?

here, here's a rock - cast the first stone.

Sorry HA, but this wasn't a "no blood, no foul" situation. Things were escalating pretty quickly there, and there was a definite chance of that thing turning into a mini-riot if it didn't end when it did.

i didn't see anyone get physically hurt.

what, you never had out of character outbursts? you don't lose your top and regret it later?

here, here's a rock - cast the first stone.



PWNED

Wow -- a fairly rational discussion on race. Congrats to you all -- on most boards this would have escalated to a huge flame war by now.

Actaully, in my opinion he only used one N-word actually that he didnt try to make it into his bit...and thats after he was called a cracka and a fucking white boy....and even that was with the gah at the end instead of the ger.

I've always thought racial slurs to be more descriptive than anything. That said, I also realize very few people see it that way so and that's not how the language is used so I never use them. That said, I think there's a minor linguistic threadjack for anyone wanting to head that direction.

To clarify, I do tend to distinguish by gender when describing the actions of someone not nice, if I want a stronger connotation. If a guy does it, he's an "asshole", if a girl does it, she's a "bitch". Does this mean I think all men have a tendency towards asshole'ness? All women are bitches? Certainly not. But, in a linguistic sense, if you're trying to tell a story and the gender of the person is a fairly important discriptive fact, you can basically create a meaning "contraction" by using one word for two ideas.

Similarly, there's degrees here- the guy who, say, bumps into me and then doesn't excuse himself- he's a jerk. A guy who spits on my shoe and then slams a door in my face, he's an asshole.

What does this have to do with the above? I'm not saying this is the case with Richards, but what's to say there's not something similar going on. "Dropping an n-bomb" is just a verbal contraction for black + asshole.

Then again, if there's someone so linguistically concerned, they'd also know there are just some words you don't use. So maybe this is all a moot point.

SI

A guy who spits on my shoe and then slams a door in my face, he's DEAD

SI


Just my small suggestion.

Sorry HA, but this wasn't a "no blood, no foul" situation. Things were escalating pretty quickly there, and there was a definite chance of that thing turning into a mini-riot if it didn't end when it did.

You can't be serious? It was never anywhere close to a "mini riot". It was one person on stage freaking out and someone off stage reacting by yelling back and walking out. The rest of the was in disbelief and soon walked out. There was never anything close to this "mini riot" that you claim it was on the verge of.

Is that how we need to judge things now? I guess that means that you agree completely with the Iraq war as we were close to a "mini world war" over there. Hey, it's kind of fun using that logic.

Of course by that same logic I should be arrested since I yelled at my daughter for lying to us today. Using cartman's logic that puts me on the brink of child abuse, or "mini child abuse" to use the right phrase.

The wife might ask for a divorce then to since I looked at an attractive woman today. That must make a definite chance of a "mini affair".



Ths issue is nothing more than some pseudo-celebrity blowing up at a heckler.

Was he just revealing his true feelings or just firing back with something that he thought was going to be the most hurtful to that person? I don't know nor do I really care.

Is he a jackass? That's obvious.

Does he have anger issues? Again obvious.

Does this hurt race relations in the country? Hell no, not in the overall picture. It does not change a true racist in either direction. It sure doesn't push anyone on the fence into becoming a racist. It anything it may push them away from it if they see how stupid it sounds when brought into the light.

How does it affect me personally? It doesn't on the surface. If anything it may help. I am not going to be one of those people who are just lying to themselves and say that I have never said something racial. Everyone has at some time in their life but that doesn't make everyone a racist. It's not about the words or the phrases but about the situations. Being friends with people from many differnet races and backgrounds I have often found myself exchanging "racial" jokes back and forth with them. They are all meant in jest and nothing is taken to heart by anyone in the conversation and they are also not done in front of people who won't know our history and thus not know what is really meant (or not meant). To some that would make us all racist, but to hell with that line of thinking. It's not about getting along with this race or that, it's about getting along with individuals. Oh well, label me as you wish and move on with your life however that makes you feel. :)



Okay, now back to more important things, like my FOF2007 career. ;)

You can't be serious? It was never anywhere close to a "mini riot". It was one person on stage freaking out and someone off stage reacting by yelling back and walking out. The rest of the was in disbelief and soon walked out. There was never anything close to this "mini riot" that you claim it was on the verge of.


You must have seen a different video than I did. There were other people starting to shout at the stage besides the two guys heckling. When people are starting to leave en masse, all it takes is for one idiot to pull out a gun or knife, or shout out that someone has a gun or knife for things to turn quickly in a public arena when racial insults are being hurled about.

You must have seen a different video than I did. There were other people starting to shout at the stage besides the two guys heckling. When people are starting to leave en masse, all it takes is for one idiot to pull out a gun or knife, or shout out that someone has a gun or knife for things to turn quickly in a public arena when racial insults are being hurled about.

So because they were black guys, they must've been carrying? Ok, Kramer.*






*My comment about you is just as outlandish as the one you made above.

He doesn't appear to be singling out black people in his scenario as being the only ones that could pull a weapon to me.

He doesn't appear to be singling out black people in his scenario as being the only ones that could pull a weapon to me.

x2

x3

Being an idiot is not confined to any one race, gender, creed, or religious belief. I saw quite a mixed crowd in the video.

get help for what?

racism isn't a disease, it's an opinion. he's allowed to have his. unfortunately he's a "celebrity" so he's not allowed to express his opinion. but i'm not seeing what the need is for "help". he's not sick. just picked a wrong time to let a certain side of him reveal itself.

He obviously has anger issues and THAT you can get help for.

dola


X4, Cartman said ONE IDIOT. Not ONE BLACK IDIOT. Please read closely before you comment.

Al Sharpton will be able to fix this.

Umm...did you guys actually read what I said. I'll quote it again in case you have trouble scrolling up.

So because they were black guys, they must've been carrying? Ok, Kramer.*






*My comment about you is just as outlandish as the one you made above.

did you guys actually read what I said.

yes.

it's amazing that anyone, racist or not, could be so foolish as to make this type of comment in public. i think tho that people that make these stupid comments in public whether drunk or not probably make them in private and that makes it easier to spout this kind of crap in public. What really bothers me now tho is the damage control. What could Michael Richards be thinking when he thinks that the people to apologize to are Jackson and Sharpton. That's like calling me a "Wop" and then apologizing to Angela Alioto. It just doesn't make sense. He insulted 2 people doesn't it make sense to apologize to them personally?

However now i find that the apology has to be made not only in person but also in the form of a monetary payment. This has the makings of a disaster if Kramer actually does such a thing. He will pay the price for his idiotic outburst but to have to make a monetary apology is plain crazy.

it's amazing that anyone, racist or not, could be so foolish as to make this type of comment in public. i think tho that people that make these stupid comments in public whether drunk or not probably make them in private and that makes it easier to spout this kind of crap in public. What really bothers me now tho is the damage control. What could Michael Richards be thinking when he thinks that the people to apologize to are Jackson and Sharpton. That's like calling me a "Wop" and then apologizing to Angela Alioto. It just doesn't make sense. He insulted 2 people doesn't it make sense to apologize to them personally?

However now i find that the apology has to be made not only in person but also in the form of a monetary payment. This has the makings of a disaster if Kramer actually does such a thing. He will pay the price for his idiotic outburst but to have to make a monetary apology is plain crazy.

Jackson and Sharpton are probably the best examples of modern entrepenuers who profit from white guilt. They've become millionaires because of the word "racism".

Jackson and Sharpton are probably the best examples of modern entrepenuers who profit from white guilt. They've become millionaires because of the word "racism".

I agree with this wholeheartedly.

HA,

You are entirely wrong. Michael Richards is allowed to hold and express whatever viewpoints he wants.

And the public is allowed to fire back, the comedy club is allowed to tell him he's no longer allowed to perform and everyone can go on their merry way and be happy.

This isn't some "celebrity" thing. Were I to make the same statements where I work, I'd be shown the door with a pink slip. It's unacceptable behavior in ANY workplace that I know of. (other than a secretary for the KKK)

His chosen workplace only made it more public, it didn't change the outcome at all.

Jackson and Sharpton are probably the best examples of modern entrepenuers who profit from white guilt. They've become millionaires because of the word "racism".

I agree with you and Antmeister on this one. IMO, Sharpton and Jackson have done more harm than good as far as race relations are concerned.